ProjectLibre vs. Microsoft Visio

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ProjectLibre
Score 7.5 out of 10
N/A
ProjectLibre is an open source project management software built as a software as a service (SaaS) deployment.N/A
Microsoft Visio
Score 7.6 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft offers Visio, a diagramming tool for building flowcharts, diagrams (e.g. network diagrams), org charts and floor plans, available online as a subscription and also in enterprise level packages (e.g. Visio Professional).
$5
per month per user
Pricing
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Visio Plan 1
$5.00
per month per user
Visio Plan 2
$15.00
per month per user
Visio Standard 2024
$309.99
one-time fee On-premises diagramming solution, licensed for one PC
Visio Professional 2024
$579.99
one-time fee On-premises diagramming solution, licensed for one PC
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Considered Both Products
ProjectLibre
Chose ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is more customizeable and has greater functionality than Google sheets. Though not as intuitive or visually appealing in design, they have the tools you need once you learn them
Chose ProjectLibre
We decided to go with ProjectLibre because it is a free tool and there is a great community that supports us in case there are any questions or concerns about the software. This has allowed us to be able to invest time without having to worry about licensing costs or anything …
Chose ProjectLibre
Project Libre being free and open-source, makes it accessible to users regardless of their budget. It has a large and active user community, providing support and resources for those who are new to the software or need help with a specific task. Overall, LibreOffice is a good …
Chose ProjectLibre
As already mentioned, ProjectLibre doesn't hold up well against a professional project management tool.
It is quite suited for simple projects and if you don't need to advanced features of other tools and if you don't need simple scripting extensibility. My main driver on using …
Chose ProjectLibre
Both of those other options are paid options and do not mimic MS Project. While those tools are great in their own right, ProjectLibre is truly unique in that it basically emulates MS Project and does it really well for free.
Chose ProjectLibre
1) Ability to access project plans created using MS Projects - MS Projects license is expensive and we cannot have all users assigned one. This is where ProjectLibre comes in. We can get the team to access project plans rather than sharing them as PDFs

2) User interface is …
Chose ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre offer many of the same functionalities as MS Project , but at no cost! While the user interface might not be as aesthetically pleasing or intuitive as MS Project, ProjectLibre still gets the job done while enabling substantial cost savings. Both products are …
Chose ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is open-sourced, so constantly on the verge of getting better. I think this one is more suited against other workflow programs because it is built for function and (like referenced in another section) not meant to be something you can distract your boss with to …
Chose ProjectLibre
The significant reason for choosing Project Libre is that it's free and my business is very small. In fact, we have less than 10 employees. It's easy to learn, especially since its interface is very similar to the leading project management software. It wasn't a hard choice at …
Chose ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is a free tool with no limit for users using the tool and mainly works on all Windows, Linux and MAC OS operating systems. It is a very interesting alternative for those who are starting in the project management area. And you don't want to spend on paid software …
Chose ProjectLibre
Microsoft project has a great interface and features. However, the cost of ProjectLibre overshadows anything that Microsoft can provide. The cost to benefits that ProjectLibre provides along with their similar features to Microsoft makes ProjectLibre a leader in the project …
Chose ProjectLibre
I was looking for something free, and ProjectLibre met my needs. I had used another Gantt program, but it was discontinued. TeamGantt has also been introduced, and I tried it but came back to ProjectLibre because of familiarity.
Microsoft Visio
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio defaults to more professional looking diagrams and has a simpler UX/UI, however it lacks hugely on the collaboration and engineering design templates side of things.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is easier to use than MindManager from the user experience. Whilst MindManager is lightweight and supports the browser which make it great with sharing diagrams, its display with information is not always intuitive especially when it becomes too nested. For …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Cost benefit is significant with Microsoft Visio vs Miro, as it is included in the MS 365 Suite. While it has less capability overall than Miro, for flowcharts specifically it is great.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is a much more improved software. Its technological features are very advanced compared to the ones from other softwares. It makes it easy to create work of quality, to analyze and visualize any process or data and generate ideas of any kind. It is the easiest …
Chose Microsoft Visio
We still use Sketchup for certain things - especially where the library of existing elements and drawings can be more easily grabbed and manipulated for our needs. Vectorworks is used by some of our main clients, and for theatrical lighting it’s the best out there. We also have …
Chose Microsoft Visio
I have personally never used or evaluated other programs similar to Microsoft Visio. I started using it following an indication from a colleague who told me that our University distributes it free of charge to its users. Since I first used it (more or less three years ago), I …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Publisher is more generic and while it is able to do what we need, Microsoft Visio allows us to do the same thing using less time and higher accuracy with features like custom icon sets, ease of linking and maintaining links to denote work flows as well as scaling up without …
Chose Microsoft Visio
I feel like they all can play an important role in your organization's success but for those who are comfortable with the Microsoft suite of tools, I would choose Visio.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Other paid services have rather better aesthetics and template/graphic support compared to Visio. However, Visio is a clear winner being a part of the Microsoft family and the positives it brings along such as collaboration, service, etc.
Chose Microsoft Visio
MS visio has the advantange of having variety stencils across all the OEM, I create the visual reprenstation of exact network design
Chose Microsoft Visio
Visio is easier to use however a smart draw is a wonderful tool with some unique libraries. Visio, however, is a little easier to license, install and manage.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Chose it for the ease of use, the professionalism of the exported visuals, and the quick and easy learning curve. I personally use Adobe Illustrator for some of the more complex graphics needed, as I've been using that platform for years; but training contractors and clients …
Chose Microsoft Visio
We have used Lucid charts in the past, Lucid chart does the job well. Microsoft Visio has more templates and seamless integration with MS word and excel. Both of the software does the diagram and charting pretty well but Visio is costly in comparison to Lucid charts. If you …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is very user-friendly and has many options for the created to use in order to get to their final product. The tool helps to get complex ideas into a visual design, therefore making it easier for other team members to understand the message you are trying to …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Even though it’s a more expensive solution, Vizio is built for the enterprise. Therefore, it integrates perfectly with our existing Microsoft stack, and quite frankly, because it’s such a more mature product, it provides exactly the functionality we need and expect.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Well, I have more than 25 years of experience with all MS products since MS Windows was launched; the user interphase has changed to improve and accommodate the new feature requirements as they come along. Overall, MS Office is coming to have a single experience but separating …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Some comparable products I have used to complete similar tasks would be Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator. Although both of these are very great programs in their own right, I would say Microsoft Visio is still the best to use, specifically when wanting to create …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Honestly non, wish we knew this tool earlier and I feel so stupid for using Photoshop and Illustrator for doing such work.
Chose Microsoft Visio
Visio is superior to the Lucid chart. They are similar in functionality, but Visio is much better when combined with other Microsoft applications (e.g., MS word to document policies and procedures or MS power point when presenting to executives). I like the Lucid Chart is a …
Chose Microsoft Visio
I looked ar LibreOffice Draw and Lucidchart. While LibreOffice Draw was free and Lucidchart was less expensive, neither had the Microsoft familiarity that Microsoft Visio has. I found myself spending a great deal more time trying to figure out how to perform the same functions …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is more aligned for professional presentation where a process flow is very important to be read and understood. Microsoft Visio is the market leader in this field and has all the great options. Comparing to other tool Microsoft Visio is great for flow charts and …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio and Miro are both diagramming and visual collaboration tools, but they have some differences in terms of their capabilities and intended uses.One main difference between the two is the range of diagram types that they support. Microsoft Visio is primarily …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Visio has a larger number of templates. More versatile. There are many ready-made elements. More reliable. It is better integrated with other software products, both from the Microsoft ecosystem and with other ecosystems. More convenient to learn. There are much more …
Chose Microsoft Visio
Lucidchart is very simple to use and integrates well with other Microsoft products. Lucidchart is great for simple diagrams but it is not a perfect solution for complex diagrams [compared to] Microsoft Visio which stands out. Microsoft Visio has really advanced diagramming …
Chose Microsoft Visio
We have evaluated Dia, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Good Drawings, but Microsoft Visio stands out in terms of flexibility, time, and efforts as well as impressive presentations. Microsoft Visio is very easy to use and produces standard and very complex diagrams in …
Features
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Project Management
Comparison of Project Management features of Product A and Product B
ProjectLibre
6.8
Ratings
12% below category average
Microsoft Visio
-
Ratings
Task Management7.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Resource Management7.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Gantt Charts8.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Scheduling7.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Workflow Automation5.80 Ratings00 Ratings
Team Collaboration6.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Support for Agile Methodology5.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Support for Waterfall Methodology6.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Document Management6.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Email integration6.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile Access9.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Timesheet Tracking5.70 Ratings00 Ratings
Change request and Case Management5.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Budget and Expense Management6.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Professional Services Automation
Comparison of Professional Services Automation features of Product A and Product B
ProjectLibre
6.7
Ratings
12% below category average
Microsoft Visio
-
Ratings
Quotes/estimates6.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Invoicing5.80 Ratings00 Ratings
Project & financial reporting6.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Integration with accounting software8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Small Businesses
Stackby
Stackby
Score 9.0 out of 10
OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle
Score 9.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
InEight
InEight
Score 8.3 out of 10
Cvent Event Diagramming
Cvent Event Diagramming
Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
InEight
InEight
Score 8.3 out of 10
Cvent Event Diagramming
Cvent Event Diagramming
Score 9.5 out of 10
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User Ratings
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Likelihood to Recommend
7.5
(0 ratings)
8.1
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.8
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
ProjectLibreMicrosoft Visio
Likelihood to Recommend
ProjectLibre is very similar to Microsoft Project, but it is free. It has a user-friendly interface that is simple to understand and use. Best of all is its compatibility to import and export data to Project and PDF without any restriction. ProjectLibre is very important to execute medium and large scale projects that we develop. There is a possibility to create many diagrams, with Gantt and PERT being the most used by me. I feel like you don't lose anything to any paid competitor software
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I believe any company or individual that is looking to get a process map visualized; would be a great tool. The tool is a great way to get complex ideas onto “paper” for all to see. Visio can be harder to use if you have an idea that is going in many different directions. If all ideas can fit on one page, this is the tool to use to visualize it all.
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Pros
  • ProjectLibre is great for project management. It allows us to establish milestones and timeline planning for projects.
  • It allows us to stay organized among multiple projects.
  • It is extremely simple to use with a simple interface. It takes little time to plan out a project with key dates and provides a nice graphic.
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  • The templates for basic flowcharting are simple to use and cover most of the basic functions and touch points in a diagram.
  • The variety of included icons and connectors means it's very easy to create floor plans and/or network diagrams.
  • The ease at which you can customise connectors with different colours/thickness makes it very effective in overall presentation of a diagram.
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Cons
  • Customer service is not there - I understand that the product is open source but some kind of forum with FAQs, etc. can come in handy
  • App crashes at time for no reason. There have been instances where you try to create a new task and all the diagrams and other items get messed up
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  • Its inability to delve deeply into micro information successfully.
  • It is a paid software which comes after paying a Microsoft licensing fee.
  • The cost is high and the integration of the stencil library is unnecessarily fragmented.
  • The more you use it, the faster and more effective you will get.
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
We use Microsoft Visio to keep our diagrams updated and to that end we will need the subscription to keep using the software. Otherwise we will be left with PDF versions of the diagrams.
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Usability
No answers on this topic
I think Microsoft Visio is pretty easy to initially pick up and understand the user interface to dive into make basic models. It would be nice if there were some fit for purpose templates so that not as much time needs to be spent on some types of engineering diagram structure. Trying to work on a single Visio file with multiple team members is also a sticking point.
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Support Rating
There are a lot of discussions online about it, and a customer addition based manual. While that can lead to some confusion, I am not the kind of person who likes talking on the phone. So it is easier to go online with ProjectLibre!
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Overall, I feel that Microsoft's support is weak. They are now such a behemoth that their model of putting documentation online for their users to sift through is totally outgrown. Given the amount of money you pay for these licenses, Microsoft should provide easy one-on-one support for their products via email or chat. The idea of paying their rates for support incidents is ridiculous. If you have an enormous amount of time on your hands, use their support websites and you will eventually find a solution most of the time.
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Alternatives Considered
ProjectLibre offer many of the same functionalities as MS Project , but at no cost! While the user interface might not be as aesthetically pleasing or intuitive as MS Project, ProjectLibre still gets the job done while enabling substantial cost savings. Both products are excellent, but open source software that performs as well as ProjectLibre is hard to beat!
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I have personally never used or evaluated other programs similar to Microsoft Visio. I started using it following an indication from a colleague who told me that our University distributes it free of charge to its users. Since I first used it (more or less three years ago), I have never left Microsoft Visio. Excellent!
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Return on Investment
  • ProjectLibre is free so it has allowed us to collaborate on MS Project files for users that run a Mac or Linux machine
  • Learning curve is minimal since it so closely resembles MS Project
  • Not all MS Project features (especially the newer editions) are present but it's best for users that are not the primary PM to user ProjectLibre.
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  • Greatly enhanced time to create share and finalize documentation.
  • Better collaboration between disparate teams, such as marketing opts and sales ops.
  • Transparency/visibility into standardize, workflows and processes have led to better team, relationships, and better results that translate directly to the bottom line and ROI.
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ScreenShots